Depending on the person, melasma may go away on its own, it may be permanent, or it may respond to treatment within a few months. Most cases of melasma will fade away with time and especially with good protection from sunlight and other sources of light.
Melasma may go away on its own. This usually happens when a trigger, such as pregnancy or a medication, causes melasma. When you deliver your baby or stop taking the medication, melasma can fade. Melasma can also last for years, or even a lifetime.
In-office treatments, such as chemical peels, laser therapy, and Cosmelan peels, and prescription medications, such as Tri-Luma, will be the treatment options that reduce the appearance of melasma the fastest.
The most commonly used treatments for melasma are skin lightening medications that are applied topically. These include medications such as hydroquinone, azelaic acid, kojic acid, niacinamide, cysteamine, rucinol, and tranexamic acid.
Melasma typically manifests as brown to grey-brown dark patches and can appear symmetrical if it occurs on both sides of the face. Sunspots are usually not symmetrical in nature and can look like freckles or larger patches of skin discoloration.
Medications and topical treatments
Your dermatologist may prescribe medications or topical treatments to help lighten melasma. Some commonly used options are topical retinols and retinoid treatments, which are applied to the skin to help speed your body's natural cell turnover process.
Ultraviolet and infrared radiation from the sun are key in making melasma worse. Other possible causes of melasma include: Antiseizure medications: Drugs that prevent you from having seizures may be a cause of melasma.
Avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., which is the peak time for UV rays. Use only gentle soap or cleanser on your face. Do not rub your face hard. If your doctor prescribes or recommends face creams, use them exactly as directed.
Aloe vera is a fantastic melasma treatment at home, known for its soothing and healing properties. Applying fresh aloe vera gel to affected areas can help reduce pigmentation and improve overall skin health. Leave the gel on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing.
Retinol can reduce melasma by inhibiting the activity of melanocytes (the cells responsible for producing melanin). By modulating the skin's response to UV exposure and reducing tyrosinase enzyme activity, retinol helps reduce melasma pigmentation.
What Deficiency Causes Melasma? Studies have proved that there is a link between vitamin B12 deficiency and melasma, which means a deficiency of vitamin B12 can cause melasma on the face. Iron deficiency anemia can also lead to melasma.
Treatment for Melasma
UCLA dermatologists offer treatments for melasma that does not go away, including: Hydroquinone: a medicated cream, lotion, gel or liquid that lightens the skin. Tretinoin and corticosteroids: medications used as a secondary treatment to enhance skin lightening.
Etiologic factors include genetic influences, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, pregnancy, hormonal therapies, cosmetics, phototoxic drugs, and antiseizure medications. Genetic predisposition may be a major factor in the development of melasma. Melasma is more common in females than in males.
We do know that some people have a higher risk of developing melasma. You have a greater risk if you: Are a woman between the ages of 20 and 40: Melasma is much more common in women than men. Hormones seem to play a role in causing melasma.
Conclusions: Full-face iontophoresis of vitamin C appears to be an effective short-term treatment for melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. A protocol of strict sun avoidance in combination with a mandelic/malic acid skin care regimen appears to be useful in maintaining the improvement. J Drugs Dermatol.
"Color correctors can help neutralize the discoloration," Antonis says. He recommends using peach or orange tones to counteract darkness.
Tri-Luma (fluocinolone/hydroquinone/tretinoin) - Uses, Side Effects, and More. Overview: Tri-Luma is used to treat a condition called melasma, which is where colored areas appear on the face. Tri-Luma contains three medicines.
A board-certified dermatologist is your best option for melasma treatment, so your face appears even-toned and healthy. Sun exposure, hormone changes, and genetics are three of the most common triggers of hyperpigmentation and melasma flare-ups.
Vitamin D has been demonstrated to be critical in the skin, including differentiation and proliferation of melanocytes. Our results suggest that patients with melasma, who have significantly lower levels of serum vitamin D than their healthy counterparts, may benefit from vitamin D supplementation.
Melasma appears as symmetrical brown or grey-brown patches, usually on the face. These patches have clear edges and often show up on both sides of the face in a similar pattern. Hyperpigmentation, however, can show up anywhere on the body as spots, patches, or widespread dark areas.
Parsley Tea
Parsley has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce the severity of melasma. Brew parsley in hot water to make a tea, and let it cool.
Melasma is a common skin condition that causes brown or grey patches on the face, usually on the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip. It can be triggered by various things, such as sun exposure, hormonal changes, and, yes, you guessed it, stress.
Common Triggers of Melasma
Hormonal Fluctuations: Hormones like estrogen and progesterone can increase melanin activity, making hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or while using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) a common cause. Genetics: A family history of melasma increases susceptibility.